Min Yongnian (L), the Chinese
Ambassador to Brunei, during a
luncheon to honour the Brunei
contingent that competed at the
Guangzhou Asian Games in China
last month. The event was held at
the Emperor's Court in Manggis
yesterday. More pictures on Page
A20 Picture: BT/ Yee Chun Leong

Brunei-China in sports exchange, cooperation

Brunei's quest for gold received a major boost yesterday when the Chinese Ambassador to the country, Min Yongnian, announced that national athletes will be sent to China next year for training.

"Our two countries will further promote sports exchange and cooperation. Next year Brunei will send athletes for professional training in China before the SEA Games and other events," said Min, who yesterday hosted a luncheon for the Brunei contingent that participated in last month's 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

This is definitely good news for Brunei, who in January started its Talent Identification programme (TID) to boost sports development in the country.

Besides providing world class sparring partners for the national athletes, this co-operation will also provide an opportunity for Brunei to learn more about the TID from their Chinese counterparts.

Even the Singapore Sports School has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China allowing the Chinese to lend their expertise to Singapore pupils.

The luncheon, meanwhile, was to celebrate a successful outing for Team Brunei, despite the Sultanate's failure to bag any medals in Guangzhou.

"I would like to express our appreciation and congratulate all Bruneian athletes for their good performances and professional sportsmanship (at the Asian Games). Your participation has contributed to the complete success of the Games," said Min.

"I paid as much attention to Brunei's competitors as I did to Chinese athletes. I shared your emotions on the pitch. I was also proud to see you at the opening and closing ceremonies.

"The Brunei contingent have shown a fierce spirit of patriotism, solidarity and fair play, earning a great honour for your country and people," he added.

The Brunei contingent in Guangzhou were made up of eight athletes and led by chef de mission Hj Muhd Zamri Dato Paduka Hj Hamdani.